The PZC approved plans for the Engineering and Science University Magnet School to be built and paid for by the city of New Haven at 500 Boston Post Road at a meeting attended by about 100. It green-lighted the school's request to be in a newly created zone and passed its site plan.

School representatives also recently presented designs before the Inland Wetland Commission and expect a vote from that board this month. The PZC approval is contingent upon an Inland Wetland Commission OK.

Site work is to begin in November or December, with construction starting in early 2014 and possible completion in 2015.

The project is a partnership between West Haven, New Haven and the University of New Haven, which meant securing a location next to the college was crucial. Because the school will be in West Haven, city students will have 125 reserved seats out of the more than 600.

As they did last summer before the City Council, students, teachers and staff shared personal stories of their time at the school to show why it needs a permanent home next to UNH. It accommodates grades 6 through 10 using swing spaces in Hamden and New Haven. It will expand to 12th grade.

"I don't want to imagine it anymore. I've been imagining it since sixth grade. ... I want to feel I helped accomplish it," Mohd-Khairi told commissioners. "Please help not just me, but my whole ESUMS family."

The proposal had its critics, some of whom have opposed the use of eminent domain and its location near residential areas.

"You deserve a building. ... I commend the school and all its efforts and what it brings to West Haven, but I just don't think that's the spot for it. There are other places ... without upsetting families and uprooting their lives," said resident Melissa Taylor.

The 38-classroom building will have around 120,000 square feet built into a hillside. From one perspective, it will appear to be four stories, and from another, five will be seen.

The first two stories will be brick "to give it a warm feeling of approach" with three additional stories of a primarily metal and glass façade, according to Julia McFadden of architecture firm Svigals and Partners. It will feature a two-story gym, a "cafetorium" serving as a cafeteria and auditorium, an outdoor classroom, a robotics race space, a rain garden to study water, a terrace and a garden with raised planters.

Timothy Yolen, attorney for the school and New Haven, said the school is the first of its kind in Connecticut and allows students to take classes at UNH and work with college students on projects.

"We took a field trip earlier this year to try the engineering lab. We sort of have programs like this, but they have more advanced programs, and it would be great if we get to use them and further our education," said student Eamonn Sullivan.

Parent Elinor Slomba said having a technology-focused school may bring engineering businesses and jobs to the area.

Many of those speaking against the application aired concerns about traffic and safety, saying they've had close calls on surrounding roads already. Project representatives are promising street improvements, such as widening nearby Rockview Street.

PZC commissioners generally had positive reactions to the proposal. David Riccio said the PZC will still serve as "watchdogs" to make sure everything is done properly.